Dog Trainers? What are some of the best dog harnesses you recommend?

Question

My dog is a puller on leash and Im looking for a harness that will help me train her to stop pulling without her choking herself on collar. I want a training quality harness that is comfortable for her. What are some ones that you recommend?

Answer 1

Most trainers would actually reccomend a head halter, like the Gentle Leader or a Halti. These go on your dogs head and work on the same principal as a halter on a horse does- if you have control of the head, you have control of the animal (imagine trying to lead a horse in just a collar!) They are very humane and also highly effective. They are a tad pricey and it takes some conditioning for the dog to get used to wearing one, but most dogs will accept one just fine. If you are dead set on a harness, Gentle Leader makes a body harness designed for pullers, it has a front martingale attachment so that when they pull they harness turns them back around towards you. it is not as effective as a head collar, but would work for moderate pullers, it is also mose expensive. It would depend on your dogs size for other harnesses- regular harness will NOT work, they actual encourage pulling and harness they dogs energy into pulling you much better (hence why sled dogs wear harnesses). Most other no-pull harness designs are made with small dogs in mind and when the dog pulls the harness transfers the energy so that the dogs front legs are lifted off the ground, to avoid this the dog learns not to pull. Obviously for a large breed dog that would not work. Whatever device you choose you will still have to actively train her not to pull, they are simply teaching devices, not problem solvers. You may also wish to enroll your dog in an obedience course, a good trainer can help you teach you dog to walk nicely on a leash humanely and often without costly devices. -Neb

Answer 2

It depends on what kind of dog you have, if you have a small breed DO NOT get a choke or prong collar little dogs have delicate trachea's. I have a Bichon Frise that use to pull until I got him a Lupine harness(they are guaranteed so if your dog chews or breaks it you can replace it for FREE)my sister has three Chocolate Labs that she use to use choke collars on but they just pulled anyway, when she got the harnesses they were MUCH better and they did NOT pull, so maybe it is a matter of the dog some dogs will pull NO MATTER what even if they are on a choke collar. I would recommend Lupine only because it is guaranteed for life, I hope this helped good luck.

Answer 3

I'd recommend a Halti Headcollar, or a Promise Collar.They go over the dog's muzzle, and redirect the forward motion. Also, there's the Gentle Leader harness or headcollar. I've also used prong collars, which look cruel, but as long as you use the rubber tips, they are a lot better than a choke. I would still recommend working with a professional trainer if you're using the prong or a choke, as you can hurt your dog, and not accomplish much if you don't time the snaps correctly.

Edit: I've got 3 dogs- 2 pit bulls and 1 great dane. I use many different tools, but I also find it neccessary to give them a pulling outlet, so I got a dog cart, and they pull that for fun. I've also got attachments for them to pull my bike, and even a sled :) Make sure you use the proper harnessing for the activity, though!

Answer 4

My oldest Golden acts like a sled dog on walks and the harnesses only make it worse. I recommend Lupine Combo Collars instead. They are choke collars with limited choking ability so it can tighten but, if adjusted correctly and used properly, won't choke the dog. The exception to this is breeds with delicate tracheas such as Yorkies (mostly toy breeds). The great thing about Lupine is that they guarantee their products even against chewing. They also make harnesses. I just don't like harnesses. We used them when our dogs were young and when my dogs aren't pulling in them, they're pretty good at contorting their bodies just right to slip out of them.

Answer 5

I would suggest using a prong collar, rather than a harness. You might also consider getting into some obedience classes that will help you learn how to teach your dog to walk nicely on lead as well.

Answer 6

i dont recommend any type of harness ,unless it pulling a plough, lol
to teach your dog to walk good o n the leash you will need a choke chain , and some lessons in dog training
he pulling because you let him ........
try this , let him pull with the choke chain on then stop
turn left, then keep on walking , if he keep pulling,
turn left again, he will get the idea,
he need to learn pulling isnt such a good idea

Answer 7

Both of my dogs are pullers - I have had great success with the Gentle Leader. I highly recommend it.

It was recommended to my by my dogs puppy school teacher.

Answer 8

To tell u the truth. harnesses make the dog pull more, they feel freeer so the pull. Id recomend if your in australia to call ausdogs. Also id get a choker.. they sound bad but there much better,.,.....
DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A HARNESS

Answer 9

i have had 3 dogs and my mom trains dogs either get a halite collar or a prong color which doesnt hurt them it just tugs on them when they pull